Trius
Waiting on Maitani
The G1 doesn't "look" like a street camera? We choose based on looks rather than what we can DO with a camera? I'm the first one to admit to having preferences for style (and industrial design qualitiies,) but if the camera helps me make the pictures better than other choices, WTF does "looks" have to do with it? 
Wiyum
Established
My hopes for micro4/3 are numerous. I hope Olympus keeps the Pen styling in line with what they've already done, and I hope that if they add an EVF, they do so without adding an SLR hump or radically altering the E-P1 form factor. I hope Panasonic gets with their broadcast engineers and make a micro4/3 camera with a camcorder form factor. I do plenty of video work and while I have no interest in shooting video on a "DSLR", being able to invest in a set of primes for a digital Pen and use those primes with a more robust video camera (full 1080p, variable framerates up to 60fps, mybe P2 support) would be nice. I hope we see more cameras from both companies with the multiaspect sensor... I like that tech a ton.
I've been thinking that those seeking an OVF could actually get their wish, with RF-style framelines that changed digitally like the viewing screen in a Nikon DSLR, and the ovf could simply blackout if a zoom or unsupported prime were mounted. I'd be satisfied with lines for 12, 14, 17, and 25mm lenses if that's all they could do. Something along the lines of an R4A.
Finally, I've been having strange dreams about a 1:1 format m4/3 camera with a waistlevel LCD inside of a hood, like a V-series Hasselblad.
Basically, I think that removing the mirror opens up plenty of formfactor possibilities that could use a shared lensmount, and I for one want to see them all. If someone tells me that focus info transmitted electronically could operate an honest-to-god rangefinder, I'd be all ears.
JoeV
Thin Air, Bright Sun
Or how about this: instead of blacking out for unsupported prime lenses, have a software menu where you manually select or input the focal length of the lens and it puts up the appropriate user-selectable electronic frameline in the optical finder. They could put this in the menu on the same page as the "shoot w/out lens" feature; call it "Manual frameline select" or some such nomenclature. Use the front right rotary knob to scroll through a list of lens focal length, then push the knob to select your focal length. Quick and handy.
~Joe
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david.elliott
Well-known
I just cant get over the crop factor :\
2x makes my 50mm lenses too long.
2x makes my 50mm lenses too long.
Tuolumne
Veteran
The G1 doesn't "look" like a street camera? We choose based on looks rather than what we can DO with a camera? I'm the first one to admit to having preferences for style (and industrial design qualitiies,) but if the camera helps me make the pictures better than other choices, WTF does "looks" have to do with it?
I agree. The G1 is a superb image capturing instrument. The knocks it gets for having a "hump" absolutely baffle me. If you want to look stylish, just get the right-shaped empty box and carry that around with you. Should satisfy your most pressing photographic requirements.
/T
urban_alchemist
Well-known
I just had a first play with a G1 a few days ago, and I gotta say: I was very very impressed. I wasn't sold on the idea of the EVF, but was amazed at how good it was in practice (especially the 'zoom-in' function with manual focus - how cool would that be with a Noctilux mounted?!?!).
For me, my perfect digital camera (M8 aside) would be a m4/3 camera in the Oly form-factor, but with the G1's EVF. Add to that an AF ~35mm equiv. fast prime and I'm good to go.
For me, my perfect digital camera (M8 aside) would be a m4/3 camera in the Oly form-factor, but with the G1's EVF. Add to that an AF ~35mm equiv. fast prime and I'm good to go.
OK, I am with you, I agree 100%. I think a lot of us are.
So what do you do? We can die waiting for Olympus, Panasonic or anyone else to make this perfect camera for us. Do you buy now, EP-1 or G1, knowing fully well that you will want to replace it when the right camera comes along? Or just wait, wanting, using something else that is not what you want?
back alley
IMAGES
rover, get the g1...
I actually like the EP-1 and once it is vetted I may get it. I do wonder though about the EP-2 which is said to be in the pipeline already. It makes sense that Oly and Pany expand this line as quickly as they can to build momentum. I don't want to buy the EP-1 only to get that burn to sell it when the next best thing comes out. Good money chasing other good money I would rather find something else to do with.
Rob-F
Likes Leicas
2X even makes my 21mm lenses too long.
novum
Well-known
In a nutshell, that's one of the problems with digital cameras.
Best thing I've read today!
back alley
IMAGES
if you can live with slower lenses, the 2x crop factor is not really a concern...the 14-45 is a perfect range for an rf shooter - 28 to 90 - great indoors and on the street and sharp like crazy.
Trius
Waiting on Maitani
Remember, 42mm is the perfect focal length.
If someone makes a 14mm (28e) fast prime to go with that, you're good. :angel:
90mm equivalent I can live without ... my OM 28/2.8 and 35/2.8 will do for longer.
urban_alchemist
Well-known
I haven't seen/held the EP-1, but from what I'm reading, if I had to choose between the two, I'd probably go for the G1 (yes, I was that impressed with the EVF).
That said, I'm an optimist... so I'm waiting
JBurnett
Member
Ruben --
Correct: Legacy lenses on G1 will NOT have Image Stabilization available
I.S. = sharper picture at slower shutter speeds. Wide aperture = higher shutter speed possible, and shallower depth of field. Both approaches may help with shooting hand-held in lower light, but they will yield different pictures. Many photographers choosing fast primes (f2.0 or wider) do so for the creative possibilities of the shallower depth of field.
Noise: This is relative to other cameras. The G1 is better than my 6-year-old Canon Digital Rebel, and better than my Canon G9. That's all that is really important to ME, because those cameras delivered acceptable noise performance for my purposes.
Correct: Legacy lenses on G1 will NOT have Image Stabilization available
I.S. = sharper picture at slower shutter speeds. Wide aperture = higher shutter speed possible, and shallower depth of field. Both approaches may help with shooting hand-held in lower light, but they will yield different pictures. Many photographers choosing fast primes (f2.0 or wider) do so for the creative possibilities of the shallower depth of field.
Noise: This is relative to other cameras. The G1 is better than my 6-year-old Canon Digital Rebel, and better than my Canon G9. That's all that is really important to ME, because those cameras delivered acceptable noise performance for my purposes.
John Camp
Well-known
I have a G1 and thought about buying an E-P1 as a backup, and using the lenses interchangeably. However, I handled the Oly and found the AF was far too slow -- much slower than the G1. I wasn't even thinking about it, and it was the first thing I noticed. There's a long review of the E-P1 on Imaging Resource, which is quite reputable, and the review says the AF is slower than almost any other camera they've reviewed.
I'm still tempted because it is a very nice camera, but now think I'll probably wait to see what Panasonic does with its rumored E-P1 form-factor entry. (I hope it has a VF, though.)
I'm still tempted because it is a very nice camera, but now think I'll probably wait to see what Panasonic does with its rumored E-P1 form-factor entry. (I hope it has a VF, though.)
250swb
Well-known
I change lenses on my G1 as often as I need and don't have any indication of dust on the sensor. The Panasonic and Olympus 'SSWF' is dare I say it, a bit better than that used by some manufacturers, and so long as you momentarily switch the camera off during lens changes you shouldn't have a problem. But I'm not one to 'never say never' but look on the bright side and the lack of a mirror will make a wet clean of the sensor even easier.
You are right to think the G1 kit lenses are good, they are very good, and only get a 'kit' designation because of the speed. Like somebody else on this forum, I have found myself using them far more than I thought over my M lenses because I like the kit lenses so much. But the really wonderful thing about the G1 is that it makes changing between legacy and dedicated lenses so easy, no menu changes, just be on aperture priority and turn the dial from AFS to MF.
Steve
Parker51
Member
I haven't seen/held the EP-1, but from what I'm reading, if I had to choose between the two, I'd probably go for the G1 (yes, I was that impressed with the EVF).
That said, I'm an optimist... so I'm waiting
Hi , Urban
I think you are right ....I bought both...( yes, I know ...that's crazy )
I am a M8 user with fast leica lens as you ,and I was looking for a second body I can use with my leica lenses;
After using both for a few days , I really prefer the G1
( in fact ,the GH1 for the video possibility , cause I am a documentary filmmaker )
Yes , the Oly is nice , "cool " and smaller ,but no viewfindef and the screen is real crap
The G1 screen is beautiful , and it's easy to focus in "manual " in all positions...
So, in term of taking pictures , what it's all about , for me the G1 is clearly the winner.....But the Oly is so beautiful ....
By the way , I really like your work
Best
Claude
R
ruben
Guest
Hi Steve,
With sincere tech humbliness I think that if the abovequoted "off" is the solution, and the issue some users elsewhere ignored when pointing the finger towards the G-1 design - then you are giving here golden info.
Cheers,
Ruben
I am waiting for a G-1 to come home soon.
schaki
Established
I couldn't agree more. That 2x multiplier is dreadful for old vintage wide-angles with converter. For telephoto it might be good though.
Unless Samsung screws up way too bad, that may be the way to go for me. I doubt that Oly or Panasonic will go FF, but Samsung might do that.